Farmers are being given the chance to trial the latest innovations and technologies in agriculture, with the launch of a new network in North Wales launches this summer.
The new Smart Agriculture IoT trials project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be delivered by Mentera on behalf of Ambition North Wales. Mentera is now looking for 16 farms across north Wales to join the new network.
The farms selected to be part of the network will get the chance to run fully-funded on-farm trials in areas of farming that they are interested in, focusing on LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology. Being involved in the network and trials will help farmers in north Wales to harness the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of their farms.
The focus on innovation and LoRaWAN technologies will support the roll out of practical technology solutions to monitor and manage various aspects of a farm’s day to day operations. This, in turn, will help the farmers selected for the network, to reach their business goals.
Mentera are seeking applications from keen, ambitious and forward-thinking farmers in north Wales who want to develop their businesses and use of technology.
The farms will benefit from significant project support and guidance from a fully-funded Agri-Tech industry specialist to implement and evaluate technology solutions that address specific challenges on their farms.
Head of Technical at Mentera, Siwan Howaston, said that farms that have previously been part of similar networks delivered by Mentera under the Farming Connect programme have learned which technologies work well to result in tangible benefits.
Examples of previous on-farm trials using LoRaWAN through Farming Connect’s Our Farms Network include:
- Optimised Slurry Application: At a demonstration farm near Holyhead, LoRaWAN sensors were used to monitor soil moisture and temperature in real-time. This enabled the farmer to make data-driven decisions on when to apply slurry, reducing the risk of nutrient run-off and pollution while maximising the effectiveness of the application. This innovative approach helped the farm operate more sustainably and demonstrated a practical way for farmers to meet environmental regulations.
- Enhanced Water Management: LoRaWAN sensors have been successfully used to provide real-time data on water levels in troughs and tanks. This not only provides farmers with peace of mind, but also helps to identify leaks quickly, saving valuable water and reducing costs associated with infrastructure damage and water loss.
- Livestock and Infrastructure Monitoring: On-farm trials have shown how LoRaWAN can be used to track livestock and monitor farm infrastructure. This technology can be applied to prevent livestock theft, manage grazing patterns, and remotely check the status of gates or machinery, saving time and labour.
- Precision Cropping and Soil Health: By deploying LoRaWAN-enabled soil probes, farmers have gained valuable insights into soil health, including moisture levels, pH, and nutrient composition. This data allows for more precise application of water and fertiliser, leading to improved yields, reduced waste, and a healthier soil ecosystem.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for farmers in north Wales to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation,” said Siwan. “The adoption of technologies like LoRaWAN is crucial for creating more resilient, productive, and sustainable farm businesses. We encourage all interested farmers to apply and help us build a more technologically advanced future for agriculture in north Wales.”
Farms are being recruited from the dairy, red meat, pigs, poultry, arable and horticulture sectors from across the areas of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wrexham.
Cllr Nia Jeffreys, Lead Member for Ambition North Wales’s Digital Connectivity Programme and Leader, Cyngor Gwynedd, said: “The transformative potential of this project is significant for the farmers involved. All equipment is provided and installed, with the option to continue with use if they find the trial to be beneficial – so there could be much to gain.”
The on-farm trials will run from September to 1 March 2026.
Applications for an expression of interest can be submitted from Wednesday, 30 July 2025, until mid-night on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, on Mentera’s website.